The Torquay paper has also seen circulation increase by 50% in the first 10 weeks since the new edition launched, excluding the first four weeks launch period.
ABC figures for January-June 2011 before the re-launch showed a circulation of 20,372, whilst ABC figures for August-September 2011 showed a circulation of 30,524. Readership of the paper has risen from 54,861 to 80,532.
Originally founded in 1925, the re-launched paper consolidated the success of the product and now offers readers a more substantial and quality read while giving the local advertising market real value for money, say the publishers.
Steve Auckland (pictured), Group Managing Director, Northcliffe Media, said: “The move to weekly has been a fantastic success for The Herald Express. The changes were in response to the market and part of a wider strategy to improve the long-term performance of the Northcliffe businesses. I’ve huge respect for what Andy Phelan and his team have created - these results prove what a great job they’ve done and show what an even more valuable product the paper has become to readers and advertisers. Our other daily to weekly changes in Exeter, Lincoln and Scunthorpe are showing similar trends so at this stage, it appears our intuition was well founded.”
Herald Express editor Andy Phelan said: “I’m delighted that readers are enjoying the new improved Herald Express and the weekly edition means we are able to continue to provide the South Devon area with regional news as well as acting as a voice for the local community. We look forward to working with readers and advertisers alike to build on this success and ensure that the Herald Express remains an integral part of South Devon life.”
